Spool Pin Removal

[XF15-Loader]

So, I've purchased a new set of bearings for my Lew's Super Duty.  Then, I watched a video on how to R2 em...?.  Any suggestions on how to remove a spool pin without the special pliers or pin remover tool?  

 

Thanks!!

 

-J

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Don’t. You’ll almost surely damage the spool. What did you buy for bearings and why did you decide to replace them? If this is a one and done deal you might want to have them installed. The tool will cost almost as much as the bearings but less than a spool. If want to return the bearing and buy one from me I’ll install it. The other thing to consider is did you flush the stock bearings before deciding to replace them?

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, XF15-Loader said:

Any suggestions on how to remove a spool pin without the special pliers or pin remover tool?

DON'T DO IT WITHOUT THE PROPER TOOL.  It's like using hammer to remove a splinter.

 

 

[Finessegenics]

12 minutes ago, J Francho said:

DON'T DO IT WITHOUT THE PROPER TOOL.  It's like using hammer to remove a splinter.

 

 

Learned this the hard way...at least it was an inexpensive reel. 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Ya get a pro to do it or a tool .once u mess up that spool shaft..nick,bent, etc etc u will feel it everyturn even with new bearings

[FrankN209]

Like everyone has said, get the proper tool, it's well worth it in the long run. 

[OnthePotomac]

Save your self grief and do what DVT said.

[suzuki2903]

buy the right tool and its a simple job to replace the bearing. the plier style pin removers i dont recommend because they can still bend the pin if its stuck, which alot of lews spool pins are in tight. if you want a good tool quick, i would say get the hedgehog studio bearing pin remover. ive been using one with no issues and works perfect every time. link to where to order one.

 

 

 

https://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=898_2351&products_id=6465

[DomQ]

Do yourself a favour and pick up one of these puppies, makes servicing a reel a breeze. 

[XF15-Loader]

7 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Don’t. You’ll almost surely damage the spool. What did you buy for bearings and why did you decide to replace them? If this is a one and done deal you might want to have them installed. The tool will cost almost as much as the bearings but less than a spool. If want to return the bearing and buy one from me I’ll install it. The other thing to consider is did you flush the stock bearings before deciding to replace them?

My Super Duty got dunked a few times last year and I wasn't pleased with it's operation.  I sent it and my MB back to Lew's for a once over.  I'm not sure what all they did on their clean and lube but, it wasn't much better when I got it back.  So, I ordered some spool speed bearings thinking it was a cake job.  ??.  

 

Should've just sent it to you.  Guess hind site is 20/20.  I still think I can do it but I'm gonna have to get the tool.  

LMAO @DomQ 

 

Thank you all for the input.  And thank you @Delaware Valley Tackle for taking care of my Abus.  I should've just sent em all to you but I feel like I need to learn how to do some things eventually or I'll be broke every fall...lol.  

 

Tight lines to you all!  Stay healthy!

 

-J

[MassYak85]

10 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Don’t. 

Ditto. A new spool is gonna be more expensive than a spool pin remover. I've really liked the hedgehog studio tool but I know some people prefer the pliers. 

[DomQ]

Ya man theres nothing worse then jacking something up when fixing it, worst feeling ever.

[XF15-Loader]

41 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

Ditto. A new spool is gonna be more expensive than a spool pin remover. I've really liked the hedgehog studio tool but I know some people prefer the pliers. 

Well, I pulled the trigger on the hedgehog.  Hopefully that's the ticket.  I've read some less than stellar reviews so I'm hoping they've upped their game.  

 

Thanks again for the input!!

 

-J

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I actually use both: the pliers to push the pin flush and the hedgehog pin to push it out. Use the pliers to push it back in. I’ve stripped threads on the hedgehog on really tight pins. Go easy. Note: the pin goes out and in the same direction. One side of the pin slightly thinner than the other. 

12 hours ago, DomQ said:

Do yourself a favour and pick up one of these puppies, makes servicing a reel a breeze. 

Pretty sure I’ve had reels sent to me in a bag after using this. 

[OkobojiEagle]

After I'm done cleaning the spool bearing and have replaced the pin, I carefully dab a little fingernail polish on the larger end.  This helps me determine which end to push from next time... as mentioned, that pin is tiny!

 

oe

[CrankFate]

If you must do it, get a spool pin remover tool, the one like a Hedgehog Studios sells. Be very careful, because if the pin is tapered on one end and you punch the wrong end through, the hole will expand and it will be loose and fall out forever. Then you are stuck either gluing it in place or trying to find one from another brand reel that is ever so slightly too big and pushing it in with the tool. And be forewarned, if you plan on buying extra pins, even from quality stores like Hedgehog, or even direct from the reel maker, don’t expect them to fit 100% of the time. I have bags of 10 for every reel brand I have and even when tested on reels that came from authorized sellers that have the original pins that fit perfectly, the replacements don’t always fit. Sometimes, they’re too loose-even when you order direct from the manufacturer!

[garroyo130]

2 hours ago, CrankFate said:

Be very careful, because if the pin is tapered on one end and you punch the wrong end through, the hole will expand and it will be loose and fall out forever. 

Where did you get your spool removal tool? The threads on mine will strip far before any damage to the spool pin or shaft.

[suzuki2903]

if you call lews, they can hook you up with some spare pins... they sent me some. and the new hedge hog pin remover is better then the first version. the threads shouldnt be a issue now. well thats what i was told anyways.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

2 hours ago, suzuki2903 said:

if you call lews, they can hook you up with some spare pins... they sent me some. and the new hedge hog pin remover is better then the first version. the threads shouldnt be a issue now. well thats what i was told anyways.

Better but still can be stripped if you crank non it. That’s why I use pliers to push it flush then the Hedgehog to press it through. 

[suzuki2903]

the new hedge hog pic remover has a stainless insert that is threaded, stripping it wont be a issue and if you are cranking on it that tight, then something is wrong. the pliers in that case would instantly bend the pool pin as ive seen several times. either way we all have our on way and opinion of doing things to get the same end result.

[CrankFate]

11 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

Where did you get your spool removal tool? The threads on mine will strip far before any damage to the spool pin or shaft.

I have ordered too much stuff from hedgehog already and they are good, but way overpriced. To save a few dollars, I got this. It is solid and has never met a pin it can’t remove. It is strong enough to push the tapered ones out backwards.

[garroyo130]

Good to know. I have the hedgehog tool and even with the threads lubricated it seems to bind a bit

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On 3/19/2020 at 8:56 PM, CrankFate said:

I have ordered too much stuff from hedgehog already and they are good, but way overpriced. To save a few dollars, I got this. It is solid and has never met a pin it can’t remove. It is strong enough to push the tapered ones out backwards.

Those are pricey too. I might try one someday anyway. 

[redmeansdistortion]

I use the Reel Speed pliers available from Dawn at Smooth Drag.  Super simple to use but I don't believe many pairs were made.

[CrankFate]

18 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Those are pricey too. I might try one someday anyway. 

I agree. But after modifying a small vice grip like Alan Tani recommended, but then bending a few pins with it, because the teeth on my cheap vise grip caused some pins to get pushed on an angle, I basically had no choice.